Michael A. Gerstenzang
Senior Partner
“Has a real talent for devising creative solutions.”
Chambers Global
"He is able to draw on a lot of experience and great intellect to give a balanced and deep view. He also just has great judgment."
Private Equity: Fund Formation
“Michael is a highly strategic thinker and highly regarded. He is a highly trusted partner for our firm for our most sensitive issues.”
Private Equity: Fund Formation
"Michael is superb, I cannot recommend him highly enough."
Private Equity: Fund Formation
Michael A. Gerstenzang is Cleary Gottlieb’s Senior Partner.
Michael became our Senior Partner in January 2026, after serving as our Managing Partner from 2017 through 2025. As our Senior Partner, Michael focuses on expanding the firm’s technology and practice innovation initiatives, deepening relationships with clients, engaging with our alumni community, and supporting our Managing Partner and Executive Committee.
Notable Experience
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Blackstone on various fund and advisory matters.
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Sixth Street in its fund formation and strategy initiatives.
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TPG in the formation of its private equity, special situations, growth, and other funds, and in numerous significant co-investment arrangements.
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KKR in the formation of its Asia and growth funds.
Selected Activities
trigger- Guest Lecturer, Harvard Law School
- Guest Lecturer, Yale Law School
- Guest Lecturer, Columbia Business School
- Guest Lecturer, Columbia Law School
- Member, Private Investment Fund Forum
- Member, International Bar Association Subcommittee on Private Investment Funds, 2009-2014
- Member, Private Investment Funds Committee, New York City Bar Association, 2009-2012
Publications
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Michael Gerstenzang Featured on Original Jurisdiction Podcast
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2025 Predictions for AI and Private Funds: The Rise of Agents
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Generative AI Is a Catalyst for Law Firms and Talent Development
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Lawyers’ Skills Will Remain in Demand, at Least for the Short Term
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Leading Questions: Cleary’s Managing Partner Michael Gerstenzang
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Michael Gerstenzang: Insights From Cleary’s ‘Listener-in-Chief’
Events
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June 26, 2025
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November 9, 2023
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March 10, 2021
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October 6, 2020
Taking the High Road: Navigating Corporate Responsibility to Advance Public Welfare
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June 5, 2020
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April 17, 2020
Leadership in Times of Crisis: What General Counsel Are Doing Now
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May 20, 2019
IBA’s 30th Annual Conference on the Globalisation of Investment Funds
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April 30, 2019